Distribution of Actinopterygii in Selected Districts of Northern and Central Karnataka India

India is endowed with a vast ichthyofaunal diversity and among the southern states of India, Karnataka is richest in ichthyofaunal diversity and Kerala has the most number of endemic species. Actinopterygii dominates the fish diversity with almost 99% of which 95% are teleosts. This study, for the first time, reports the diversity of Actinopterygii from Yadgiri district, which lies 16o20′-17o45′ N latitude and 76o 4′-77o 42′ E longitudes and has a total area of 2920.75 hectares of water and 2805 hectares of water fishing activities. There are more than 280 lakes in the district, as per the reports of Minor Irrigation Department of the district. This region is generally hot and temperature ranges from 22oC-45oC and lakes usually dry up in summer. Second study area Davangere has a total geographical area of 5.97 lakh hectares and 6284 hectares of water. The district lies in the centre of Karnataka between the latitudes 13°5' and 14°50' N and between the longitudes 75°30' and 76°30' E. The second study area has a pleasant weather conditions and water bodies do not dry during summer.